The Commission of Inquiry (COI) on enforced disappearances formed by the interim government to investigate enforced disappearances has revealed internal dissent within the security forces and foreign involvement in several cases, according to its interim report.
The report highlights multiple incidents where security personnel expressed opposition to enforced disappearances, often facing serious personal and professional consequences as a result. It also indicates that enforced disappearances in Bangladesh were not isolated acts but aided by “international enablers” who played decisive roles alongside local forces.
“Internal dissent within the security forces—particularly around issues like enforced disappearances, political neutrality, and institutional accountability—often resulted in punitive actions,” the report stated. It added that the politicisation of institutions allowed such crimes to be normalised and even rewarded.
One unnamed officer said his refusal to conform to the official narrative led to systematic isolation. Before each new posting, colleagues were warned not to trust him, and fabricated allegations followed him while his family’s communications were monitored.
In another case, a man described his brother’s mental breakdown while working in an intelligence agency. Tasked with listing political dissidents, he later discovered that all those named were killed. The guilt led to severe psychological trauma requiring hospitalisation.
A soldier recounted being posted at a secret detention site notorious for cruelty, where guards were forbidden from showing empathy or even speaking near captives. They were instructed to use signs and whistles instead. Multiple blindfolded victims later confirmed this.
Despite the harsh conditions, some personnel resisted. The same soldier secretly gave his meals to detainees, who were only fed half rations. A victim confirmed receiving his help.
The report noted that complicity in such crimes often caused emotional distress among some members of the forces. One RAB intelligence officer reportedly refused to carry out an execution order and remained in position until August 5.
Two RAB officials also wrote to their intelligence chief stating they would not follow illegal orders. One note read, “If there is any plan of extrajudicial killing or firing not permitted by law, I cannot participate.” These informal notes were later found at the then prime minister’s official residence after the regime change.
Despite such resistance, the commission found that many victims were killed in secret—bodies dumped on train tracks or thrown in front of moving vehicles, away from public view. The environment allowed such crimes to continue with tacit approval.
The report also points to foreign involvement, stating that along with India’s role, the Awami League government benefited from sustained Western support, particularly under the guise of counterterrorism. Senior officers confirmed that cooperation with the US enhanced security sector capabilities even as abuses increased.
One detainee recalled being interrogated by two Americans while in DB custody. Though the foreigners did not engage in abuse directly, their presence lent legitimacy to the system of enforced detention.